# Local Area Network (LAN)

A [<mark style="color:blue;">Local Area Network (LAN)</mark>](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/support/general-information/glossary-of-terms#local-area-network-lan) is a network segment that logically groups connected elements within your virtual data center. LANs can be either private (without direct internet access) or public (connected to the internet). You can create, configure, merge, and split LANs to meet your infrastructure requirements using the [<mark style="color:blue;">DCD</mark>](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/support/general-information/glossary-of-terms#dcd) or the [Cloud API](https://api.ionos.com/docs/cloud/v6/#tag/LANs).

## Quick Links

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><mark style="color:blue;"><strong>How-Tos</strong></mark></td><td>Set up, configure, and manage private LANs for your Virtual Data Center (VDC).</td><td><a href="lan/how-tos">how-tos</a></td></tr></tbody></table>